PCP

Angel dust

Common names

PCP, angel dust.

Generic name

Phencyclidine.

Scientific names

Phencyclidine or benactazine.

Action

Psychedelic, anaesthetic.

Drug form

Powder, tablets.

Drug effects

Desired:

Relaxation, disinhibition and hallucinations. PCP has been sold under the name of other psychedelic drugs, so unwitting users would be looking for effects similar to LSD i.e.hallucinations and hilarity.

Side-effects:

Decreased sensitivity to pain, drowsiness, dizziness, numbness, loss of coordination, confusion, hallucinations, dissociation ('out-of-the-body' feelings). PCP has a reputation in the USA for producing violent, paranoid and psychotic behaviour in its users. Because it is only rarely seen in the UK it is not clear if these effects would be found in UK users. See How drugs work.

Medical use

As a veterinary anaesthetic.

Risks

Short-term:

Accidents, overdose, collapse, convulsions.

Long-term:

As yet unknown but may include speech problems and memory loss.

Legal status

Class A under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971.

How is it taken?

Tablets can be taken orally, powder can be snorted up the nose, sprinkled on tobacco or marijuana and smoked, or injected.